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The PGA Tour will comply with the controversial anchoring ban imposed by the USGA recently, while recommending, along with the PGA of America, that the USGA extend the time period in which amateurs would be permitted to use the controversial putting method.

As it stands now, Rule 14-1b is scheduled to begin on Jan. 1, 2016.

“In making its decision, the Policy Board recognized that there are still varying opinions among our membership, but ultimately concluded that, while it is an important issue, a ban on anchored strokes would not fundamentally affect a strong presentation of our competitions or the overall success of the PGA Tour,” commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement.

“The board also was of the opinion that having a single set of rules on acceptable strokes applicable to all professional competitions worldwide was desirable and would avoid confusion,” he added.

The USGA and R&A jointly announced the ban on May 21.

The Policy Board also recommend that the USGA consider the same course as it did on a groove configurations rule that went into effect for elite play in 2010, but not for recreational play until 2024.

“The Policy Board continues to believe that extending the time period the ban would go into effect for amateurs would be beneficial for golf participation and the overall health of the game,” said Finchem, who offered a warning.

“Although the board has elected to follow the USGA in this case at the elite level, it continues to be mindful of its responsibility to review future rule changes that might be adopted by the USGA in order to determine whether they should apply to PGA Tour competitions,” he said.

“It is not inconceivable that there may come a time in the future when the Policy Board determines that a rule adopted by the USGA, including in the area of equipment, may not be in the best interests of the PGA Tour and that a local rule eliminating or modifying such a USGA rule may be appropriate,” he said.

“Having said that, we have been assured by the USGA that as we move forward we will have an open and effective communication process on a number of levels with the decision makers at the USGA,” Finchem said.

PGA will adopt controversial ban of anchored putters

The PGA Tour will comply with the controversial anchoring ban imposed by the USGA recently, while recommending, along with the PGA of America, that the USGA extend the time period in which amateurs would be permitted to use the controversial putting method.

As it stands now, Rule 14-1b is scheduled to begin on Jan. 1, 2016.

“In making its decision, the Policy Board recognized that there are still varying opinions among our membership, but ultimately concluded that, while it is an important issue, a ban on anchored strokes would not fundamentally affect a strong presentation of our competitions or the overall success of the PGA Tour,” commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement.

“The board also was of the opinion that having a single set of rules on acceptable strokes applicable to all professional competitions worldwide was desirable and would avoid confusion,” he added.

Brad Fritsch could lament about what might have made a difference after missing the FedEx Cup playoffs and not maintaining full-time status on the PGA Tour after missing the cut at the just-concluded Wyndham Championship.